What Happens to Autistic Teens as They “Age Out” of Assistance?

According to CBS News, within the next decade some half a million autistic young adults will be in need of housing and jobs. People diagnosed with autism receive school support until age 22, and while people with severe challenges may receive additional services through the state after age 22, nothing is guaranteed. Recent research revealed that only about 30 percent of autistic high school graduates will attend a two or four year college, 32 percent will get a job soon after high school, and only 19 percent will ever move out of their parent’s house. It seems that there are simply not enough housing and jobs for the next wave of autistic adults, and many parents are left not knowing how to handle these situations.